The European Councils in Lisbon and Feira in 2000 set the strategic goal of making the European Union by 2010, “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion”. A key objective in achieving this goal, also agreed at Lisbon, is to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion.

Arising from this, the National Action Plans against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAPs/incl) have been drawn up setting out the strategies, specific measures and institutional arrangements at national level in making progress towards achieving these objectives.

The approach adopted in this plan reflects national circumstances, including economic circumstances, demographic and social developments, the nature of our social protection system and social policies more generally.